Our institution is considering changing its monetary definition of
"equipment" from items over $500 (the state definition) toward a higher
level, possibly $5,000 as defined in the revised Circular A-21.  There are
concerns about what this will do to our indirect cost rate since more items
would be considered "commodities" and not "research equipment" which would
also affect "use allowance/depreciation" issues.  We need guidance
concerning this possible change in definition from people who have
experience with or knowledge about this issue.  Can you help us?

Victoria J. Molfese, Director
Office of Research Development and Administration
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Carbondale, IL 62901
phone: (618) 453-4531
fax: (618) 453-8038
e-mail: xxxxxx@c-grad.siu.edu